Pet Proofing Your Home After Your Move

Now that you've successfully moved with your furry or scaly friend, it's time to make your new home a pet proof (and pet friendly) one!

Choose your plants wisely

Certain household plants can be hazardous to your pets, so when choosing live greenery, avoid purchasing poisonous options such as azaleas, holly, lily of the valley, mistletoe and poinsettia.

Get the right furniture
You might want to avoid leather couches -- which are prone to punctures -- when choosing furniture for your new home. The same goes for wooden coffee tables that may become scratched up. To protect your possessions, purchase slipcovers or furniture guards and properly train your pet to stop damaging behaviours.

Pick appropriate flooring
As you did with your furniture, you'll want to choose flooring that is less susceptible to scratching and staining caused by accidents. Tile, vinyl and laminate are all good options. Use area rugs for high-traffic locations to keep carpeting looking as good as new.

Provide entertainment
A great way to curb destructive behaviour is to keep your pets busy. Dogs should have toys to chew on while cats should be provided with plenty of items to scratch. A cat house or tower is also a great way for your feline to feel safe in his or her new environment.

Build a fence
Have a dog who loves to play outdoors? If your backyard doesn't have a fence to keep fido contained, build one yourself! Make sure the fence isn't short enough for your pooch to jump over and is deep enough to prevent your dog from burrowing underneath it.